The Police Department said the officer, Brandon Worrall, 27, has been with the department for four months and previously was employed with the Daytona Beach Police Department.

The shooting happened on West 25th Street near Seminole High School at about 10:30 p.m., according to Sanford Police Department Public Information Officer David Morgenstern.

Police said the officer was responding to a report of a suspicious person when a suspect opened fire and confirmed that a bullet hit the Kevlar on Worrall's chest; the bullet never entered his body. He was flown by helicopter to Orlando Regional Medical Center. Worrall suffered a bruised lung and a broken rib, officials said.

Officials said Friday morning that Worrall?s injuries were not life-threatening.

Morgenstern said an eight-block search for the gunman is under way near the Cedar Creek apartment complex.

Authorities said three schools in the area?Seminole High School, Millennium Middle School, and Wicklow Elementary School -- were opened Friday morning.

Officials said the schools were searched by SWAT, and officers were stationed at the campuses on Friday. Students will not be allowed outside classrooms, authorities said.

The Seminole County Sheriff?s Department and the Volusia County Sheriff?s Department are assisting the Sanford Police department in the search.